160-mile march for democracy arrives in Washington from Philadelphia

WASHINGTON — After 14 days on the road, nearly 200 people arrived in Washington, D.C., completing a 160‑mile march from Philadelphia to defend democracy. The We Are America march, composed of participants ranging from children to seniors, was greeted by supporters and members of Congress as they crossed the final stretch on a warm, sunny Friday afternoon. Organizers say the goal was to unite a movement capable of pressuring leaders to answer for what they describe as mass firings at federal agencies, questions over the federal government’s handling of District of Columbia law enforcement, and disagreements with actions taken by the Trump administration and the president.

From Philadelphia, marchers traveled through Newark, New Jersey; Wilmington, Delaware; and Baltimore before continuing toward the capital. They stayed in churches along the way, sleeping in pews or at hosts’ homes, and one night camped outdoors. Founding member Maggie Bohara said the hospitality they received across communities reinforced a belief that they were not alone in the cause. “It really showed that there are people who believe in what we believe in and that we’re not alone in this,” she said.

Among the marchers was 80-year-old Dianne Shaw-Cummins, who normally lives in Arizona but spends summers in Minnesota with her son, Ted Regnaud. Shaw-Cummins recalled a conversation with her son about the journey: “I can do that.” She added that she hopes for a better future for her grandchildren and for all people in the United States: “I want better for my grandchildren. I want better for my children. I want better for all people that live and breathe in the United States of America.”

Shortly after their arrival, Rep. Al Green, D‑Texas, drew a connection between the march and civil rights history, telling the participants that their 160‑mile walk echoed Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. “You marched on 160 miles, and today you are now bringing the Edmund Pettus Bridge moment to Washington, D.C. You’re bringing it to fruition,” Green said.

The marchers carried a version of the U.S. Constitution created by children from across the country, which they presented to Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D‑Md. Van Hollen burst into the national spotlight in April after flying to El Salvador to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a constituent who had been wrongly deported by the Trump administration in March. Founding We Are America member MJ Tune explained that presenting the Constitution was meant to remind elected officials of their oath to defend it against enemies, foreign and domestic, and to reinforce a sense of community that can sustain long‑term, nonviolent action.

“We also wanted to build a sense of community on this March. Right now we feel like so many people in America have lost a sense of community, and community is essential to creating a movement that can sustain long-term nonviolent action, which is our ultimate goal,” Tune said.